Questions & Answers (23rd January 2007)

Q-We worry that all this money would be spent on a beautiful garden which would be the target of vandals. How could you safeguard it in future years?

A-We have always been aware that preventing vandalism from having a detrimental impact would be of prime importance, given the previous problems experienced in Duffus Park. For this reason, Fife Constabulary was co-opted onto the group early on, and a representative regularly attends committee meetings to provide specialist advice. Via this representative, we have access to security specialists who will be involved in the design process.
Our own appointed specialists are also very aware of this issue, and have given much consideration as to how their plans could include protection from vandals. They have suggested materials and features to help make the garden and community building secure.
It has been proven that the appropriate use of lighting and webcams/CCTV could help, and again we will utilise relevant experts to develop the masterplan.
It is our belief that given the amount of usage the facility could attract, and the number of people likely to be in and around the area most of the day and evening, Duffus Park as a whole would become far more secure, benefiting sports clubs and local residents.

Q-The designs look fantastic, but how can such an adventurous project be
financed and then sustained in the future?

A-From the very beginning, the group understood the key to the success of the project was to develop something financially sustainable and not dependent on grant aid in the long term. Therefore, finding a means of generating income has been a fundamental aspect of the design process and would continue to be crucial in future years.
Income would have to be generated through the rental of the community resources, via our permanent resident organisations, and through the lease of the café. Other revenue could be gathered from weddings, functions, concerts, exhibitions, car boot sales, and conferences.
Major grant providers have to be satisfied the Douglas Bader Community Garden would be sustainable financially. In the interests of the community we have endeavored to look at this as thoroughly as possible, creating a detailed business plan which is open to public scrutiny.
The ability of the group to attract the funding required is dependent on the support of the public and our ability to plead our case professionally with major fund providers. That is why we hired specialist companies with proven track records.

Q - I am concerned about the water element due to the Princess Diana feature
debacle.

A - The water feature would be vital to our plans to create a major attraction, and combines proven technology with a stimulating, cutting edge design. To prevent problems, we chose Ustigate Water Display specialists, due to their record of developing many of the UK's most visually stimulating water features.

Q-I am worried that my Council Tax bills would increase significantly due to the level of funding required. Would they?

A-No, they would not. We are a community organisation.

Q- How much do you think that the complete cost of the DBCG project will be and when could work begin?

A- According to the latest figures supplied to us by our designated company of Quantity Surveyors, Glasgow-based Binnie Murray & Hutton, the cost of a new 'hub' building would be approximately £600,000.
In 2007, following lengthy consultation with our partners and community organisations, we put a ceiling of £2m on the project in the shape of a stand-alone phase one.


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